PTI chairman refuses to meet Imran alone

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Tuesday declined to meet party founder Imran Khan alone at Adiala Jail, insisting that a family member or legal representative be present during the meeting.

Jail sources confirmed that Barrister Gohar had been granted permission to meet Imran, but after registering at Gate No 5 and waiting briefly, he returned without proceeding further. For past few weeks, no one is allowed to meet Imran in jail.

Speaking to media outside the prison, Gohar said that preventing meetings with the founder would worsen the situation. "Whoever can facilitate the meeting should do so," he said. He expressed deep concern over reports of a severe eye infection in Imran Khan's right eye.

Gohar added that he learned about Imran's eye condition from media reports. "If such a condition exists, it is a matter of concern," he said, referring to reports that Imran had been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

The PTI had previously raised alarms over the party founder's health, noting that jail authorities had restricted his access to medical treatment outside the facility despite orders from the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

Gohar also criticised the broader state of politics in Pakistan. "Neither a New Pakistan was created nor the old system restored, and the current system has failed to function," he said, adding that political manoeuvring should not interfere with family visits to Imran.

He emphasised the importance of respect and credibility in leadership. "No matter how much legislation or constitutional amendment is made, it has no value unless people hold you in esteem," he said.

He confirmed that Imran Khan had given a mandate to Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas to negotiate on his behalf and stressed that irresponsible statements or personal attacks must be avoided.

Gohar stressed the need for a unified approach to counter terrorism. "Those responsible for implementing the National Action Plan [NAP] against terrorism must coordinate fully. Neither the federal nor provincial governments should allow terrorists' messaging to prevail," he added.